TexasWare--Melmac



TexasWare

I have spent a couple weeks separating a boatload of Melmac I received all at one time. Today I took many different styles of one brand into the store (shown in photos), TexasWare and their later version called DallasWare.

In the 1950's, innovation, whether it was in automobiles, in homes or in fashion, was everywhere. It was precisely during this time that Americans began to set out meals on colorful, unbreakable and lightweight dishes called Melmac. This popular dishware appeared in many patterns and colors, but Texas Ware, or Dallas Ware, were among the most popular because of their appealing solid pastels, bright colors and distinctive patterns

Because of the great popularity with most housewives for being colorful, unbreakable (can be broken), and practical many additional companies jumped on the bandwagon and also produced a great selection of Melmac dinnerware.

This post just talks about Texas Ware/Dallas Ware 

STORY BEGINS:
" One of the hottest, newest, funniest kitchen collectible is Dallas born and bred: Texas Ware dishes, made from the late 1950s through the mid-'90s by Plastic Manufacturing Co. (PMC) of Oak Cliff.

That was info I didn't know before, I always thought or heard they stopped in the late 1970's. I got online and did some research for us because I had never seen so many colors and patterns in TexasWare before now, I was only familiar with the multi color spatter bowls,restaurant ware and mint green.  

PMC was once the largest maker of molded melamine dishware in the world.

Its innovations included the first two-color melamine pieces and stacking drink tumblers.

Stackable Cups

In the '50s and '60s, Texas Ware ads in national magazines featured June Cleaver-like models touting such patterns as "Fleur de-Lis," "Golden Wheat" and "San Jacinto."

They also made lots of restaurant ware in pastel colors with divided dishes, trays and the famous stackable cups. These continued into the 1980’s and 90’s, but the dinnerware sets for home lost favor in the 70’s because of the use of dishwashers and microwaves which were harmful to these products.

DallasWare

I have not been able so far to find the data for when the product name was changed to DallasWare. Interestingly you can have two pieces exactly in color,shape,and style side by side, one will be marked TexasWare the other DallasWare.

TexasWare Grill Plate

One blog I found claimed the white grill plate by TexasWare shown here in photo are considered rare. I do not know if that is true or not,but I have two.

But some of the most sought-after Texas Ware pieces are ones that were made
more as an afterthought and seldom advertised. They're the multicolored mixing bowls - variously called spatter, splatter or speckle ware - the company made as a means of using up surplus or "reject" manufacturing materials. When they were new, the bowls never sold for much.

Spatter Ware Bowls

 A three-bowl set went for less than $2 in the late '50s, about $5 in the '80s. Today you find these bowls priced from $25 to $40 each depending on condition and color combinations.

Reminder these photos showcase what has been added to the inventory

and are looking for good homes !

History of Melmac Dinnerware & its Care

History of Melmac Dinnerware

Plastic dinnerware was found in many homes in the 1940's through the 1970's and is highly collectible now. During the 1930's the raw material "melamine" hit an all time low price. With heightening wartime threats and soon to be monetary constraints, American industrialists jumped on the bandwagon to make melamine into functional products for both commercial and households.

Melamine, a thermoset plastic material was used in many factories and in much dinnerware production by the late 1940's. American Cyanamid was one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of melamine powder to plastics molders. They name-branded their version "Melmac".

One of the benefits of molders purchasing from American Cyanamid, was the advertising campaign for Melmac. Just look in any old Life magazines from the early 1950's and you will see how heavily Melmac the wonder plastic was marketed by American Cyanamid There were other manufacturers whom would offer melamine powders for molding (Allied Chemical and PMC Manufacturing to name a few), if a molder were to purchase from a non-Cyanamid distributor they could not refer to their melamine dishes "melmac". This may be why some old ads for plastic dinnerware specifically say "Made of Melmac" and others may say Plaskon, or perhaps just melamine.

American Cyanamid constantly improved their formulas, and did extensive consumer product testing and research (even hiring Russel Wright) (famous designer of furniture, dinnerware, etc), to do a long survey and compile reports in the mid 1940's. Additionally, American Cyanamid (pre 1960) would send inspectors to certain factories to make sure that melmac dishes were meeting certain specifications and highest quality standards.

Why Melamine? Early Plastics Dinnerware Manufacturing

The actual material "melamine" was dirt cheap in the mid to late 1930's and there was a push to use this new material for all kinds of things. Entering wartime constraints, plastic was soon to be the wave of the future. Housewares made of early plastics, resins and Bakelite did not hold up well or withstand regular washings or heat, but when melamine began in dinnerware production for the military, it proved that this new "improved plastic" could indeed hold up well.

Early melamine manufacturers experimenting with melamine operated 24/7 just to keep up with plastics demands.

Caring for your plastic vintage ware.

Melmac is a hard plastic dinnerware made with melamine and formaldehyde. It created quite a hit in an era that only had glass dinnerware. Made in soft pastels and the harvest colors of green, orange and yellow, the almost unbreakable dinnerware became most popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Manufacturers produced both household and restaurant Melmac dinnerware, but with the popularity of dishwashers and microwaves in homes, Melmac popularity started a decline. Now it has become very collectible and desired once again.

 1. Wash with hot, soapy water. Use a toothbrush or soft brush to get into all the crevices and remove the dirt, grime and grease that may have accumulated on the vintage Melmac. Keep Melmac out of the dishwasher. The dishwashing detergent and high heat of the dishwasher will fade the dinnerware.

 2. Eliminate stains by soaking three minutes in a bleach solution of one-half chlorine bleach and one-half water. Repeat for stubborn stains. Always dilute beach, because straight bleach can fade the color of the Melmac. Apply rust remover with a cloth to remove rust, but do not let plasticware soak in the solution.

3. Remove price tag glue by soaking Melmac in hot, soapy water. If the hot water does not work, try vegetable oil, or use a dab of glue solvent.

4. Keep pieces away from heat. Do not set pieces near the stove or put them in the microwave. Melmac burns, scorches, cracks and bubbles when exposed to heat.

5. Restore the shine by applying plastic polish to the Melmac. Purchase polish at a supermarket or discount store. It takes about 20 minutes of rubbing and polishing to restore each piece. Any remaining scratches will be less visible.

Tips & Warnings

·         If abused or dropped on a cement floor, Melmac will break.

·         Do not use abrasives on Melmac; they will damage the surface.

Now You Know--Louisville Ky Famous Potteries

Owing to the abundance of ancient clay deposits in the region, Louisville has been a center of pottery-making for generations.

John B. Taylor--founded 1815 sold 1970 to Louisville Stoneware

Louisville Pottery which became Louisville Stoneware--founded 1815 still exists

M A Hadley Pottery--inception 1940--storefront 1944 still exists

This and the following photos just show some of the variety that we have available.


I only listed three of the many known potteries established thru the years in the Louisville area because these are the ones I'm asked the most questions about. Many do not realize for example that John B Taylor was bought out by Louisville Stoneware or that Mary Alice Hadley worked for John B Taylor prior to branching out on her own.  Another confusing issue for some is the fact that Louisville Stoneware produced some of the same pattern designs originated by John B Taylor.

***********************************

 John B Taylor

The JB Taylor Company was founded in 1815 in Louisville, Kentucky. But it was not owned by John B. Taylor until 1938. In 1970 the company was sold and became known as Louisville Stoneware.  Some of the old patterns are still in production as well as many new designs.

Some of the oldest patterns include Harvest and Vintage. In the earlier days, the artists were likely to experiment with different designs and you can occasionally find a unique treasure in antique/consignment shops.  Because Louisville Stoneware still uses the original designs today, to identify the oldest it has to be marked  John B Taylor.  Some collectors prefer only John B Taylor pieces, so you should expect to pay more for the pieces marked/identified as John B Taylor.

John B Taylor pieces

One of the better known potters to work for John B. Taylor was MA Hadley (Mary Alice Hadley), who started a company of her own. MA Hadley is very collectible and highly sought after for their varied and creative hand painted patterns.

M A Hadley

By the late 1930’s Mary Alice Hadley began melding her artistic talent with her knowledge of clay ware. In 1939, Mrs. Hadley made dishes for her houseboat on the Ohio River. The creative result was a set of a custom dishes that caused such a stir among her friends and acquaintances that the idea for a business was born. Supplying those early requests provided wide circulation for her hand-crafted pottery and soon orders began to arrive from across the country. With the help of her husband, George, the Hadley Pottery Company was formed early in 1940.

In 1944, George Hadley purchased a building in the Butchertown area of Louisville as a birthday present for Mary Alice. The building, constructed in 1848, has been home to a wool mill, a candle factory and a cordage mill and for 65 years has served as the production location, factory salesroom and offices of Hadley Pottery Company. Many pieces of original art created by Mary Alice Hadley are still on display at the historic structure on Story Avenue, including several wall murals all hand-painted by Mary Alice herself. She worked at the Pottery until her death in 1965. George Hadley continued to run the business until it was sold in 1979 to Louisville natives, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth W. Moore. In September 2009, new partners joined the Hadley Pottery ownership group, but operations remain largely the same as they were when the company was started. The creative inspiration that Mary Alice Hadley brought to the ware still lives today. 

                                           M A Hadley pieces

Louisville Stoneware

Louisville Stoneware is located in the Highlands section of Louisville.  Founded in 1815 as Louisville Pottery and then becoming Louisville Stoneware, is known for creating fanciful stoneware that is nationally renowned. It specializes in decorating its pottery with  Kentucky Derby  and Christmas themes, but it has other themes as well: Noah's Ark, Primrose, Pear etc being examples. You can also request specialties or go to their location to decorate your own.
Items from Louisville Stoneware are in the Smithsonian Institution and White House.  In addition, Queen Elizabeth II was presented a  music box made by Louisville Stoneware, given by the wife of Kentucky's governor Ernie Fletcher, that played My Old Kentucky Home when the Queen visited Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby in 2007..

Louisville Stoneware pieces





Be Inspired-Get Inspired-Be Inspiring

                                         What inspires you as you go thru life?

Of course being an Antique Dealer I have to mention that I am inspired by being an Antique Aholic. Hunting for or finding that something special for myself or a customer is my all time high!! I also enjoy the research and the never ending learning that I feel compelled to do, so I can share with others. I am also inspired by the stories others tell when they have antiqued and the thrill they feel when successful.

Also spring is my favorite time of year so of course that always inspires me anew every year. A rebirth from nature to remind us things are always changing and growing as the seasons past.

                                The first breezy day with sunshine and you have the urge
                                                to walk barefoot in the grass maybe?

                                How about working in your flower beds and then reaping?
                                                 This one definately inspires me.

                                        Or maybe do some project outdoors in the yard that
                                               you were not motivated to do before.

Or how about that laundry hanging on the line blowing in the breezes?

                                And those Roses, my oh my what a sight, and the aroma!!

    
                                       Have you noticed or thanked your neighbors for their
                                                        hard work in landscaping?
                                   Let them inspire you and inspire them with what you do!!

                              Always be inspired by your friends, family, and loved ones!!

                                       Please don't forget to look for that hidden gem
                                       hiding or appearing in the most unusual place!!

                                                       This photo is a perfect example.
                            This clematis is growing amongst the weeds on an abandoned lot.
                                         So should I dig it up today and give it a good home?
                                          Or should I leave it as an inspiration that beauty
                                                           can be found anywhere?
                                                        I am still pondering on this!!

                      Whatever you do Be Inspired- Get Inspired-Be Inspiring


photos provided by the yard and neighbors.

A Light Bulb Moment!!

Have you ever had a true Light Bulb moment?
 A moment where you can see and understand something clearly after researching the subject or having someone discuss the subject with you. Or maybe something happens around you and all of a sudden a Light Bulb comes on and it becomes obvious to you what it all means and what the ramifications will be. After having this Light Bulb moment you can't wait to share with someone, maybe everyone, but they don't always comprehend or have the Light Bulb moment in return. With a truly Light Bulb moment thou you can't and don't stop sharing because you need to share to the benefit of others. You want to see the gears turn in their head and see that instant when they grasp it and have a Light Bulb moment also.

So what am I leading to here? Some of the same ole same ole stuff I have shared before about Buy Local and what that means to a community. I know some of you are thinking, will she ever shut up,move on,get over it? (Sorry No) I had a Light Bulb moment and believe strongly, the urge to share will not go away!! So today I'm sharing Ten Reasons for Buying Local from The New Rules Project. Here we go!!

              Top 10 Reasons to Support Locally Owned Businesses
 
1. Local Character and Prosperity
In an increasingly homogenized world, communities that preserve their one-­‐of-­‐a-­‐kind businesses and distinctive character have an economic advantage.

2. Community Well-­‐Being
Locally owned businesses build strong communities by sustaining vibrant town centers, linking neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships, and contributing to local causes.

3. Local Decision-­‐Making  
Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions.

4. Keeping Dollars in the Local Economy
Compared to chain stores, locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community.

5. Job and Wages
Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally and, in some sectors, provide better wages and benefits than chains do.  

6. Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship fuels America's economic innovation and prosperity, and serves as a key means for families to move out of low-­‐wage jobs and into the middle class.

7. Public Benefits and Costs
Local stores in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure and make more efficient use of public services relative to big box stores and strip shopping malls.

8. Environmental Sustainability
Local stores help to sustain vibrant, compact, walkable town centers-­‐which in turn are essential to reducing sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss, and air and water pollution.

9. Competition
A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-­‐term.

10. Product Diversity
A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based, not on a national sales plan, but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

New Rules Project   www.ilsr.org

Have any questions ?  You can contact us with those questions here locally,  New Albany First an Independent Business Alliance that shares Buy Local information. Or visit us on our facebook page or our website.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG-S11leG-Y

                   
                                                http://www.na1st.org/       

Transferware China

Just what is transferware?

Transferware is any pottery with decorative elements applied by transferring a pattern from a copper plate to paper and then to the pottery itself. Transfer prints are found on china, ironstone, and porcelain. There are tens of thousands of transferware patterns.

One of the most recognizable and most common is Blue Willow.

While blue is the color most commonly associated with transferware, it was produced in other colors. Some of these include red, pink, purple, cranberry, brown, black, green, yellow, gray and various shades and combinations of these colors.

Transferware was originally a cheap alternative to expensive imported pieces from China. It first appeared in the late 18th century, but became extremely popular in the 1820s and 1830s. Transferware has been made continuously since that time. Most of the transferware found today was produced in the last 50 years, but earlier pieces are out there.

Alot of people are familiar with the Blue Willow pattern,some do not know it is transferware. The pattern is the most widely recognized and probably the most common as well. Many are attracted to its deep blue color and attractive pattern. The beauty of Blue Willow is that old and new can be easily mixed. The Blue Willow pattern tells its own story.

As the tale goes, long ago, a Chinese Mandarin, lived in a wonderful pagoda under an apple tree on the right side of the bridge seen in the pattern. He was the father of a beautiful girl, who was the promised bride of an old but wealthy merchant. The girl, however, fell in love with her father’s clerk. The lovers eloped across the sea to the cottage on the island. Her father pursued and caught the lovers and was about to have them killed when the gods transformed them into a pair of turtle doves, seen at the top of the design.

The Blue Willow story is a nice tale, but it has no real basis in fact. The pattern was not created to tell the story, instead the story was told after the pattern was designed. According to different sources the tale was made up by either the British or American manufacturers. A wonderful 19th Century merchandising scheme.

Blue Willow is only the beginning, however.
Dating transferware can be difficult. Many of the early pieces are unsigned. Many patterns made in Great Britain between 1842 and 1883, however, were registered with the Patent Office in London. The registration marks on the reverse of these pieces can be dated. British transferware made between 1890 and 1920 usually has “England” printed on the back. After 1920, the mark became “Made In England,” older transferware often has richer and more plentiful color than later pieces.

Values for transferware vary greatly. Early or rare pieces can run into the thousands of dollars. Price tags in the hundreds are not uncommon, but there is a great variety of transferware available in the under $30.00 price range.

Transferware to some is the most beautiful china available. Single plates and serving pieces are great for display. Partial sets are attractive on plate racks and in china cabinets. Many also like to mix and match pieces on their table or add with solid colored china. .

Another highly collected transferware is what is known as Historical transferware. Made between 1818 and 1830, these dark blue printed wares are highly regarded because they illustrate important places and commemorate historical events of the early republic. These are usually the highest priced and prized. Photo example

—This 17-inch long historical blue transferware platter was sold at auction April 23, 2007, for $12,000. The platter is from Thomas Mayer, Stoke, circa 1830.

All photos except for the Historical Platter (photo #3) shown are available in our shop plus many more to choose from.

Home Decor---The 4 R's Repurpose,Rethink,Reuse,Recycle

Every once in awhile I make a post showing Antiques & Collectibles being used in ways not done before. The 4 R's--Repurpose, Rethink, Reuse, Recycle.

Be original in your homes decor, let your home reveal to others your personality, sentiments, and creativity. Antiques & Collectibles can blend extremely well with all types of decorating styles. Here are some more photos to entice you to consider something old used in a new way to enliven your homes spirit.

Very Elaborate Project--Love of Worn Suitcases and Great Storage

Really look here--Drums as end tables, Coffee table for Bench at end of bed, framed doilies or quilt pieces as a Headboard.

Hang old Paint by Numbers in a specific theme as shown or mismatched.

How about an old screen door used for the Pantry or old glass doors as the front of a cabinet or bookcase?

A large grouping of postcards framed together make a huge statement.

Or maybe some small drawers hung with a photo of a loved one and a momento.

Old jars are great not only for storage of practical things such as sugar,flour,tea,cotton balls,detergent etc but use in any room to showcase small collectibles such as marbles.

Encase items with alot of memories.

Light up an old light fixture in a new way.

Use small galvanized containers for an indoor garden of herbs.

Or if you have a substantial collection of one type, display them together for a bold standout statement.






The morale of this post. Motivation as you Spring Clean your home. Use the 4R's of Repurpose, Rethink, Reuse, Recycle.

New Albany--A Vision--A Dream

Before I share with you a vision, a dream, a desire, or a hope, I will first share how I came to be in New Albany, a small somewhat sleepy Rivertown.

My parents moved to Jeffersonville,Indiana as I began the 4th grade. My father whom was burnt out from his corporate career had decided to become an Independent Business and chose Jeffersonville. Many different reasons led him to that decision, all of which I do not know. What I do know is that at the time he felt Jeffersonville showed promise for a small business because it appeared as if it was a thriving small community with growing potential. Also he could afford to buy a home for a reasonable amount, which would be their first home purchase, compared at the time to surrounding areas. They also sensed a good down home feeling for raising a family.

Prior to choosing Jeffersonville my father took a huge gamble, he quit his job, security for himself and family, not a common practice at the time. If you had a good job and were succeeding, why leave that security, after all people took jobs and kept them hopefully for a lifetime, giving all they had, being apprecitive, and mostly loyal. As he found out that was not always a returned favor, or maybe he had a midlife crisis, I do not know for sure but he must of felt strongly to take such a risk.

An Aunt of mine had a very successful Independent Business in Bedford, Indiana, sooooo we moved from Ohio into her home for 1 year so my parents could learn as much as possible about the business before going out on their own. This Aunt was a successful business woman and very well respected in her community. She learned how to be sucessful the long hard way, on her own with many sacrifices not only for her own life but for those in the family and community in which she lived. As she mentored my parents and supported our family I admired and stood in awe of her. My fathers salary was slim but she was giving of her knowledge and providing a roof over our heads and food on the table. As a young child I didn't fully understand the scope of it all but I knew it was beyond the call of duty and it inspired and lead me in ways I couldn't understand until many years later.

My parents purchased their first home in downtown Jeffersonville,where the business was attached from our kitchen and using a payback government loan began a new life. My father read and studied any and all books the library had on remodeling a home and began to do so self taught. As he did all that was possible to provide us a decent home he was also running a small business. As the good parents they were, we girls had a good life and were taught you work hard, sacrifice, and do whats right always, never expecting or demanding more than you earn.

To make a long story short the business was not the success he had hoped for or as my Aunt had experienced. After a few years my father returned to a full time job and my mother ran the business, for additional income, as a lunch time only Pizzarea, serving pizza by the slice to hungry high school students. Thus I received the nick name at school as the pizza girl.

Now back to my vision, dream and hope. I graduated high school and began a career with a good job and great benefits, following the ideal of working there until retirement. Believing my strong work ethic and loyalty would benefit me and it did to a certain degree. I was respected and successful in my endeavors but never really happy or fulfilled. The whole time just doing what needed to be done in life, not thinking on or realizing the past influences from my Aunt and Parents, or how those influences were about to become my reality.

As I became more dissatisfied with my career and life, without alot of planning or thought I found the one thing I loved, Antiques, and somewhere along the way leaped out and began doing business on the side. I rented booths in Antique Malls and filled them up, then I began to travel and sell at shows all the while thinking it was for fun and love and not a business. A hobby which feed my love and lust and took care of itself financially. After several years I decided that was really all I wanted to do so I left my job of 23 years and started a full time business. I had decided it was all or nothing, I knew I could always get a new job if things didn't work out so leap I did. Now let me add to that I strongly believe that if I had not loved what I was doing for so long on the side I probably would not have taken the risk or been successful.

While traveling and selling at shows I built up a customer base of other dealers and customers from all over the United States, whom would seek out my booths in the Antique Malls and buy from me.

I developed a very good relationship with another Antique Dealer who became a mentor to me in the business and also a great friend whom I think of as the big brother I always wanted. He is the one who actually got me to travel and do shows with him. He is my business partner today, still a mentor and my big brother and best friend. He has lived in New Albany for many many years. We would talk about New Albany and what potential we saw in it. We questioned and debated why it wasn't living up to its potential?! We came up with many reasons and excuses and much sadness.

One day I told him I was tired of paying the malls booth rental,commission, and being a part of so many of the Antique Malls being filled with junk and crafts. The Malls were renting booths for the money to anyone and allowing these so called Antique Dealers to fill their booths with anything. Sounding snobish, maybe, but it was hurting the business of Antiques which I love.

His response, lets go back to the good ole days and open a private shop of our own. OMG Scary,risky but inticing. Where would we open this shop? Location it is said is critical! Would the customer base we had built follow us where we choose? Will the overhead be more than just renting booths and paying commission? Would this endeavor influence or hurt our friendship? It is one thing to do what you love on the side like a hobby and be able to afford the expenses and reinvest all you make back into that hobby, but be successful enough to not only reinvest but make a so called living!! How many sacrifices are we willing to make concerning the time and devotion involved in running our own place? On and On the questions went, some answered but many not!

Now because of the many discussions we had in the past about New Albany and the possibilities we saw within and for her, the choice was made. Some of the same feelings my father had had about Jeffersonville I felt toward New Albany. What I saw and was taught by my Aunt and the community she loved also deeply influenced my decision. Ok, also the overhead in a small dead downtown was good as long as we could have the faith in that town and feel good that our customers would follow us.

We have been open in downtown New Albany for 9 years, our current location 6 years. We have seen many other small Independent Businesses come and go during that time frame. In the last couple of years finally they seem to be staying and succeeding. The reasons so many did not succeed are many, and the reasons we have are many.

I share and tell you all of this for many reasons also. New Albany please have faith in yourself and community. Do whatever small thing you can to help your community grow and prosper. Work around and grow from the past experiences you have had in this community, you will be blessed deeply. Let the naysayers hold you back or give you a feeling of defeat and New Albany will be what they say. We can be bigger and better than we can even dream or invision with co-operation and hard work. I have the faith, I'm starting to see what my partner and I so long ago discussed and debated and hoped would happen.

All of these thoughts came to mind because of a blog I read today. I do not always agree with the author of this blog, his methods or his politics but I do respect his zeal, sincerity, honesty, frustrations, love (yes his love), dreams, hopes, and some of his vision for our community New Albany.

If you would like to read this same blog here is the link

http://cityofnewalbany.blogspot.com/2012/03/independent-locally-owned-businesses.html